The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched updated voter education manuals as part of efforts to tackle voter apathy and enhance participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement on its official X handle, INEC said the initiative was developed in collaboration with national and international partners, including the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI).
The newly unveiled materials include a revised National Voter Education Manual and a youth-focused Civic and Voter Education Manual, designed to promote informed civic engagement, particularly among young Nigerians.
Speaking at the launch, Mohammed Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, expressed concern over the steady decline in voter turnout since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999. He noted that participation fell from over 60% in 2003 to below 30% in recent elections, attributing the trend to insufficient voter education and lack of motivation.
Haruna explained that the manuals were developed with KDI to enhance citizens’ understanding of the electoral process and encourage greater participation.
Delivering a keynote on behalf of the INEC Chairman, National Commissioner Joash Amupitan (SAN) warned that voter apathy remains a major threat to Nigeria’s democracy. He cited data showing that a small proportion of the population increasingly determines leadership outcomes for the majority.
While affirming that the Electoral Act 2026 has strengthened transparency through improved legal frameworks and electronic processes, Amupitan stressed that legislation alone cannot address voter disengagement. “An indifferent electorate is a democracy in retreat,” he said, urging sustained investment in civic education to rebuild public trust.
Bukola Idowu, Team Leader of KDI, described the initiative as a strategic intervention rather than a routine document launch. She said the revised manuals reflect current electoral laws, technological advancements, and evolving patterns of political participation. The youth-focused version, she added, is tailored to engage young Nigerians as voters, educators, and agents of change.
INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, noted that the manual has been comprehensively updated to align with the Electoral Act 2026. Key updates include provisions on party primaries, campaign finance regulations, electoral offences, and the continued deployment of technologies such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
The updated manuals are structured into 11 modules and incorporate global best practices, along with expanded digital engagement strategies aimed at reaching Nigeria’s increasingly tech-savvy population.
